The 2024 NFL Draft is April 25-27 in Detroit. Right here is the first-round order, per Tankathon.
The Vikings are coming off a disappointing 7-10 end following a promising 13-4 end the earlier yr. With main holes at a number of key positions, together with quarterback, edge-rusher and cornerback, buying an influence participant with the No. 11 choose within the first spherical of the NFL Draft is paramount to a turnaround in 2024.
2023 report: 7-10 | First-round choose: No. 11 | Crew wants: QB, Edge, Cornerback
Potential first-round picks: Michael Penix Jr., QB, Washington; Jared Verse, EDGE, FSU; Terrion Arnold, CB, Alabama
No matter what occurs with Kirk Cousins, the Vikings desperately want a quarterback for the longer term. Whereas the probability of Michigan’s J.J. McCarthy falling to No. 11 lessens by the day, former Washington product Michael Penix Jr. may very well be a wonderful backup plan.
Armed with a powerful, correct arm and undervalued athleticism, Penix Jr.’s expertise is plain. Nevertheless, he has a uneven damage historical past, having suffered two separate ACL tears and a damaged shoulder over his collegiate profession. Fortunately, he acquired a clean bill of health on the mix, the place his draft inventory started to soar.
After the Vikings brass bought a very good have a look at him in the course of the Senior Bowl in Cellular, Alabama, in addition they spoke with him extensively in Indianapolis. Penix raved concerning the assembly, saying he felt “very confident” afterward.
If a QB to their liking does not fall to No. 11, the Vikings might select to improve the staff’s go rush. Minnesota hasn’t chosen an edge rusher within the first or second spherical since touchdown star Danielle Hunter within the third spherical of the 2015 NFL Draft, so perhaps it is about time.
With Hunter and Marcus Davenport seemingly on the best way out, basic supervisor Kwesi Adofo-Mensah might have his eye on an edge rusher like Verse within the first spherical. The previous FSU standout completed third within the ACC in sacks (9) his senior season, incomes the Nineteenth-highest grade amongst edge rushers and a top-10 prospect nod from PFF.
Ought to a quarterback or edge rusher not be accessible, the Vikings would possibly use the staff’s first-rounder at one other premium place. Whereas loads of CB depth is on the roster, Minnesota might nonetheless use assist after rating twenty fourth towards the go in 2023.
If the Vikings go that route, Alabama’s Terrion Arnold can be a wonderful alternative out of a CB-rich draft. As Gordon McGuinness of PFF identified, Arnold allowed solely a 51.9 p.c completion proportion (79 targets) in protection final season. With a mixture of pace and physicality, the six-foot, 196-pounder can be a right away starter within the Vikings secondary, with big upside contemplating he is solely 20 years outdated.